Abstract: A cleaning unit of this invention includes a body and a cleaning member. The body includes an upper face. The upper face subsides to form a receiving recession for receiving a slit nozzle of the slit coater. The receiving recession includes a sidewall and a bottom face. The sidewall includes a first injection hole. A cleaning material is sprayed via the injection hole. The cleaning member eliminates dregs of the material attached on the slit nozzle of the slit coater. The cleaning member is attached on the bottom face of the receiving recession. According to the present invention, the slit nozzle is effectively cleared, so that the substrate is uniformly coated with the photosensitive layer, and the photosensitive layer is not scratched.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for applying at least one first layer of a first application medium and at least one second layer of a second application medium to a material web, either directly or indirectly. The at least one first layer and the at least one second layer each are first applied onto a moving base (either the web surface in the case of direct application or a transfer element in the case of indirect application). The apparatus includes a first curtain applicator unit having a first discharge nozzle and configured for discharging the first application medium through the first discharge nozzle in a form of a first curtain onto the moving base. The apparatus also incorporates a second curtain applicator unit which includes a second discharge nozzle and which is configured for discharging the second application medium through the second discharge nozzle in a form of a second curtain onto the moving base.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of creating a material for use as a material to be coated by curtain coating, comprising the step of: creating a surface texture of said material such that when said material is coated with a freely falling curtain formed of a composite layer of one or more coating compositions that impinges at a point of impingement against a continuously moving receiving surface of said material using roughness assisted wetting, the height of the composite layer at a distance &lgr; from the point of impingement, in which &lgr; is the average periodicity of the surface texture, is less than or equal to Rz. The invention also provides a method of identifying a material suitable for coating with Roughness Assisted coating.

Abstract: A slit nozzle is positioned above a surface of a substrate placed in a rotary coater, and, while the slit nozzle is translated parallel to the surface of the substrate a coating solution is ejected from the slit nozzle toward the glass substrate under conditions such that the effects of surface tension of the solution are minimized or substantially cancelled out, to uniformly coat the coating solution on substantially the entire surface of the substrate with minimum wasting of the solution.

Abstract: A system for regulating (e.g., terminating) a development process is provided. The system includes one or more light sources, each light source directing light to one or more patterns and/or gratings on a wafer. Light reflected from the patterns and/or gratings is collected by a measuring system, which processes the collected light. The collected light is indicative of the dimensions achieved at respective portions of the wafer. The measuring system provides development related data to a processor that determines the acceptability of the development of the respective portions of the wafer. The collected light may be analyzed by scatterometry and/or reflectometry systems to produce development related data and the development related data may be examined to determine whether a development process end point has been reached, at which time the system can control the development process and terminate development.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a coated substrate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a coated substrate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: A treating liquid adjusting equipment for adjusting an alkali-based treating liquid for use in treating an organic film applied onto a substrate, which includes an adjusting portion. The adjusting portion for adjusting an alkalinity of the alkali-based treating liquid is such that a concentration of a first component contained in the alkali-based treating liquid and constituting an organic film of a same type as or different type from the organic film is in a range of 0.0001 to 2.0 mass %, and a concentration of an alkali component contained in the alkali-based treating liquid is in a range of 0.05 to 2.5 mass %.

Abstract: A developer supply nozzle moves from a first end toward a second end of a substrate for supplying a developer to the overall main surface of the substrate. After a lapse of a required developing time, a rinse discharge nozzle moves from the first end toward the second end of the substrate for supplying a rinse to the overall main surface of the substrate. A partition plate is provided for preventing the rinse discharged from a slit discharge port of the rinse discharge nozzle onto the substrate from flowing frontward in the direction of movement of the rinse discharge nozzle or washing away the developer supplied onto the substrate frontward.

Abstract: An information recording material having an information recording layer formed on a substrate formed by applying by curtain-coating a coating film comprising two coating solution films of which the viscosity increases when the two coating solution films are brought into contact, or mixed, with each other. An intermediate coating solution film for isolating the two coating solution films one from the other and is provided between the two coating solution films. Alternatively, a curtain-coating composition film having at least one set of adjacent two layers of which the viscosity increases with the passage of time when the two layers are brought into contact, or mixed, with each other. Information recording materials having particularly excellent quality of applied layers and excellent in various properties with good productivity.

Abstract: A coating for finishing paper or cardboard, with pigments in an aqueous dispersion including a binding agent in a portion of at least 7 percent by weight, preferably 9 to 15 percent by weight (depending on the pigment percentage). Also included is a thickener in a portion of 0.05 to 0.5 percent by weight, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 percent by weight (depending on the pigment percentage) and one surfactant in a portion of at least 0.1 percent by weight (depending on the pigment percentage), preferably 0.2 to 1 percent by weight. The solid content amounts to 50 to 75 percent by weight, preferably 55 to 65 percent by weight, and wherein the viscosity exhibited is no greater than 2500 mPas, preferably less than 500 mPas (Brookfield 100 UPM, 20° C.). A method for producing coated papers or cardboards, where the coating is thoroughly degassed prior to application.

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

Abstract: A technique is presented for preventing the peeling of a thermally sprayed film formed on an inner face of a bore of a cylinder block. A thermal spraying device 20 is provided with: a thermal spraying gun 22 that is inserted into a bore 14 passing through a cylinder block 12; and a pair of sucking pipes 24a, 24b 24 for generating a spiraling air current 28 that spirals around an axis of the bore 14 while approaching an opening of this bore 14.

Abstract: A coated prepreg with high resin content and method of making such a prepreg, and a thermal dissipating printed circuit board and methods for manufacturing such a board. In particular, means to fill between circuit features with either a high Tg thermally enhanced dielectric or a non-thermally enhanced resin system.

Abstract: A papermaking belt comprises a reinforcing element and a resinous framework joined together. The resinous framework is formed by a plurality of resinous beads which mutually contact or cross-over. Super-knuckles extending outwardly from the reinforcing element are formed at points of contact. A preferred continuous process for making the belt comprises extruding, in a pre-selected pattern, a plurality of beads of a resinous material onto the forming surface thereby forming the resinous framework thereon, joining the resinous framework and the reinforcing element together, and then solidifying the resinous framework. The resinous material may comprise at least two chemically-active materials capable of cross-linking upon contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the uniformity of a liquid curtain in a coating system comprising a lip of a slide die wherein the lip includes a front surface on which a liquid composition flows by gravity. The apparatus comprises a ledge having a first, second, and third surface portion. The first surface portion is disposed intermediate the second and third surface portions, and is substantially horizontal. The second surface portion is contiguous with the first surface portion and upwardly inclined. The third surface portion is contiguous with the first surface portion and downwardly inclined away from the first and second surface portions.

Abstract: A coating such as liquid milk chocolate is applied to articles such as confectionery bars. The bars are conveyed by conveyor under a curtain of liquid chocolate issuing through an outlet slot in a trough. A layer of air is caused to flow through the outlet slot in the trough so as to modify the flow characteristics of the curtain. The layer of air permits a curtain of even thickness to be achieved.

Abstract: A method for forming an abrasion resistant sheet which comprises forming a web of cellulosic fibers on a papermaking machine and applying a slurry including an encapsulated abrasion-resistant grit to the upper surface of the web on the papermaking machine.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to coat running material webs (1). According to prior art, the coating material is applied to the material web (1) by means of curtain coaters. Said coating material is discharged from a slit nozzle (2) and passes through a free-falling curtain (3). The edges of the curtain (3) are separated by means of separating elements (9, 10) before the fall into the material web (1) for adjusting the coating width. According to the invention, a smaller curtain is produced on each edge by means of a first outer separating element (10). Said curtain is adjusted to the desired coating width by means of a second, inner separating element (9). In a preferred embodiment, an inner separating element (9) is used which contains a vertical channel in the interior thereof. Said channel is open on the separating edge. A water supply (24) flows into said channel.

Abstract: A solution-receiving plate having solution-passing holes for passing a developer solution therethrough toward the back side of the plate is provided. Respective surfaces of the solution-receiving plate and a substrate are at the same height, and the solution-receiving plate is placed on the front-end side of the substrate and separated slightly from the front end of the substrate. A supply nozzle is moved to apply a developer solution. Accordingly, when the developer solution extended continuously between the perimeter of the substrate and the supply nozzle is severed, the severed developer solution is prevented from returning to the developer solution already spread over the substrate and thus flow and waves are prevented from occurring in the developer solution spread on the surface of the substrate. A resist pattern with a highly uniform line width is thus produced.

Abstract: A method for curtain coating a moving web (8) is described, wherein the total amount of the coating liquids and of the lateral flow liquid, added perpendicular to the lateral extension of the curtain (6), is deposited on the moving web (8) under formation of only a minimally thickened bead, wherein there is no need to separate the lateral flow liquid before impingement on the moving web. The corresponding device incorporates in the edge guides (7) a groove (13) having incorporated, in its surface, channels parallel to the direction of the falling curtain (6). The curtain is stabilized with the lateral flow liquid which is supplied to the groove (13), the real guide surface of the curtain, perpendicular to the lateral extension of the curtain (6).

Abstract: A method for measuring the dynamic surface tension (DST) of a proposed outer layer of a liquid composition, to be curtain or slide hopper coated, over a range of surfactant levels to determine the surfactant concentration which produces the maximum resistance to air currents. Measurements are made by the Wilhelmy Blade Method, in which a surface of a pool of composition to be measured is placed in contact with the lower edge of a suspended blade. The static method is modified such that the surface of the composition touching the blade is continually refreshed to simulate the formation of fresh curtain surface by pumping the composition upwards through an open cylinder and allowing the composition to spill over the edges (“overflowing weir”). The bulk surfactant concentration providing maximum resistance to coated streakiness or mottle is highly correlated with the concentration providing maximum surface tension gradients in the overflowing weir apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying fluid to a substrate which is movable relative to the apparatus. A slotted nozzle assembly of the apparatus communicates with a fluid supply and includes an elongated slot with an outlet aperture. The length of the slot may be varied using a stopper which can move in the slot and seal it off laterally. In another aspect, the entire slot can be shifted and fixed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the slot using a guiding and adjusting device.

Abstract: A coating method, comprises steps of coating plural layers simultaneously on a continuously moving support by flowing out simultaneously plural coating liquids from plural slits, wherein at least one of the plural coating liquids contains a volatile solvent; stopping the coating step; and flowing out a solution containing a solvent having a boiling point higher than that of a main solvent of a coating liquid from a slit for an uppermost layer of the plural layers while stopping the coating step.

Abstract: A method for laying down stripes of solution on substrate is described. The substrate preferably comprises a web of material set on a backing roller passed by a specially configured die. The die includes at least a mouth with lips extending beyond a face or body of the die. The die is adapted to avoid fluid leakage therefrom. Upper and lower portions of the die defining the mouth are preferably substantially flat and mirror images of each other. The lips are preferably placed in close proximity to the material on which the solution is to be deposited. Solution passing through the mouth of the die is directed to the webbing and deposited in a substantially constant thickness stripe or band. Often, the solution comprises a reagent-type solution. The solution coating is typically dried onto the substrate. Dried product may then be used in reagent test strip production.

Abstract: A liquid film forming method of dropping a liquid from a dropping nozzle or dropping nozzles of a dropping unit onto a substrate to be processed, and then providing relative movement between the dropping unit and the substrate while keeping the liquid dropping on the substrate, so as to form a liquid film on the substrate

Abstract: Methods for making screen assemblies and screens for a vibratory separator or shale shaker, such methods including applying glue in a glue pattern to at least one layer of screening material, said applying done by powered moving mechanical glue application apparatus; in one aspect moving with powered mechanical screen movement apparatus the at least one layer of screening material beneath the powered moving mechanical glue application apparatus; in one aspect, using hot melt moisture-curing glue, and in one aspect facilitating the cure of moisture-curing glue by applying moisture to it.

Abstract: A liquid film coating process is provided in which a curtain (5) from at least one coating fluid (1) is poured on an object (10) being conveyed at right angles to the curtain (5). A fluid coating (6) is formed on the object (10) as a result. A mixture of a coating material and an organic carrier liquid, which has a surface tension of at most 40 mN/m, is used as the coating fluid (1). The fluid coating (6) is solidified to form the final coating. To solidify the fluid coating either the organic liquid is removed from the fluid coating formed from the mixture on the object by evaporation or a liquid that can be polymerized by heating is used as the organic liquid in order to solidify the fluid coating formed on the object by polymerizing the organic liquid.

Abstract: A coating method and coating apparatus with which layer surface defects caused by foreign matter such as dust particles and the like can be greatly reduced. The method and apparatus are characterized in that an static reducing device which reduces static charge on a support is provided. Before a coating solution for an emulsion layer is applied to the support web by a coating device, the static charge level of the support is reduced to 1 kV or less by a static eliminator. Thus, layer surface defects at a coated layer formed by coating are decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of bead coating a web using a coating die. The method comprises forming one or more layers of coating material using the coating die and allowing the one or more layers to impinge on the web as the web and die move relative to each other. The web surface has an average peak to peak roughness as defined by DIN 4768, ISO4287 or BS1134 between 2 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m. The layer of coating material forming a wetting layer adjacent to the web has a viscosity of between 35 mPas and 200 mPas measured at a shear rate of substantially 10,000 s−1. An electrostatic field is provided at the point at which the layers impinge on the web to stabilize the layers of coating material. The method enables the web being coated to be conveyed at a speed greater than 400 cm/s relative to the coating die whilst avoiding the problem of air entrainment.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a coated substrate comprising the steps of:

Abstract: Concerning a process for producing an information recording material having an information recording layer formed on a substrate, there are disclosed (1) a method of curtain-coating a coating composition film comprising two coating solution films of which the viscosity increases when the two coating solution films are brought into contact, or mixed, with each other and an intermediate coating solution film that is for isolating said two coating solution films one from the other and is provided between said two coating solution films, (2) a method of curtain-coating a coating composition film comprising at least one set of adjacent two layers of which the viscosity increases with the passage of time when the two layers are brought into contact, or mixed, with each other, (3) a method of applying water or an aqueous solution to a substrate surface and curtain-coating the substrate in a non-dry state with a coating composition film made of a plurality of layers, and (4) a method of curtain-coating a coating comp

Abstract: A method to obtain and keep, at the time of actual coating, a uniform charge distribution on a web that is to be subsequently coated in order to establish stable high-speed coating provides a higher resistivity in a web edge area than that in a web central area by applying a subbing layer to the web central area while leaving the edge area free of the subbing layer.

Abstract: A curtain coating method which enables the formation of a uniform curtain of coating solution without accompanied by the sagging phenomenon in a range of high flowing-down rates of a coating solution per unit length in curtain breadth, thereby elevating the upper limit of coating speed, is disclosed. In this method, a coating solution as a freely falling curtain is made to impinge on the surface of a continuously moving web, and thereby the coating solution is coated on the web. Therein, the curtain of the coating solution is controlled so that the flowing-down rate thereof per unit length in curtain breadth is from 2.5 to 10 cc/cm/sec, and the web surface to be coated with the coating solution is controlled so as to have a temperature between 22° to 55° C. A curtain coating method which can prevent the air entrainment phenomenon from occurring at the start in the coating operation and enables the formation of uniform coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catch pan apparatus for starting and stopping coating is disclosed for coating a downwardly moving receiving surface by curtain coating. The catch pan device includes an intercepting pan that intercepts the curtain when coating is stopped and a substantially horizontal intercepting surface that intercepts the curtain only when the catch pan moves to start or stop coating. The intercepting pan and horizontal intercepting surface intersect to create a volume that retains in the catch pan excess liquids that would otherwise spill onto the coating receiving surface as the catch pan is retracted to a non-intercepting position. The catch pan is controllably retracted at high speed through the curtain using linear servomotors such that the releasing edge of the horizontal intercepting surface passes close to the coating receiving surface at the point of curtain release. Flushed edge guides maintaining curtain width are positioned outside the lateral edges of the catch pan.

Abstract: In curtain coating for multiple layers consisting of lower most layer, uppermost layer and intermediate layer, using coating liquid having viscosity more than 300 mPas for one layer or more of multiple layers improves amazingly the curtain coating stability against disturbance such as passing spliced portion of running web. The one layer or more layers for which coating liquid having viscosity more than 300 mPas is to be used is selected from intermediate layer. The curtain coating stability is further improved by combining the high viscosity coating liquid for intermediate layer with other technologies such as electrifying web, heating web upstream of coating point and/or keeping web tension higher than some specified value.

Abstract: Each coating liquid is supplied from a first end of each manifold to a second end of the manifold, and pressure loss of each coating liquid flowing through each supply slot becomes smaller from the first end to the second end so as to cancel the pressure loss of the coating liquid flowing through the manifold. Each supply slot becomes shorter from the first end to the second end. This makes the liquid amount uniform along the width of the supply slot (coating width), and thus the layers can be well formed without defects.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for uniformly applying a foam to a wet tissue web is provided. Specifically, a foam is first formed from a liquid-based composition and a gas, such as air. Once formed, the foam is applied by a foam applicator to the wet tissue web. In one embodiment, for example, the foam applicator applies the foam with a flexible scraper contacting the wet tissue web during the application of the foam. When applied with the foam, the wet tissue web typically has a solids consistency less than about 95% by dry weight of the tissue web. In some embodiments, one or more vacuum slots may be utilized in conjunction with the foam applicator to facilitate uniform application of the foam to the wet tissue web.

Abstract: An improved method of thin film coating is taught that uses a multi-slot coating apparatus to apply multiple liquid layers to a moving substrate. The lowermost layer contacting the substrate is comprised of an organic solvent. The lowermost layer may be a single organic solvent or a blend of several organic solvents. Whether comprised of a single organic solvent or a blend of organic solvents, the viscosity of the lowermost layer is less than 1 cp and the wet thickness of the lowermost layer is not more than about 5 &mgr;m. Additional liquid layers are applied to the moving substrate on the top of the lowermost layer. This method allows for application of coatings at high substrate speeds. This method also allows for the reduction of coating artifacts caused by contamination of the surface of the die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating moving web and splices with a coating fluid. The system includes a slide coating die having a slide surface with at least one feed slot for extruding the coating fluid onto the moving web. The slide coating die defines a coating gap with the moving web. The coating gap is adjustable between a coating position and a splice coating position. A web guide is positioned to guide the moving web in a first direction past the slide coating die such that a coating bead of the coating fluid can be formed in the coating gap. A vacuum system is positioned to generate a reduced pressure condition along a lower surface of the slide coating die. The vacuum system defines a vacuum gap with the moving web. The vacuum gap is adjustable independent of the coating gap between a coating position and a splice coating position. A detector signals an increase in web thickness. A controller is functionally connected to the detector.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of surface elements (1) which comprises a decorative upper layer (2) and a supporting core (5). A supporting core (5) with a desired format is manufactured and provided with an upper side (1′) and a lower side (4). The upper side (1′) of the supporting core (5) is provided with a décor , by for example printing, which décor (2′) is positioned after a predetermined fixed point on the supporting core (5). The upper side (1′) of the supporting core (5) is provided with a protecting, at least partly translucent, wear layer (2″) by for example spray coating, roller coating, curtain coating and immersion coating or by being provided with one or more sheets of &agr;-cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resin or lacquer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid screening of layered materials, for a useful property. In the method at least two layered materials are applied on one single substrate. Preferably the materials are applied by coating from a coating composition and are multi-layered materials having at least two distinct layers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multilayer silicone release surface comprising a backing, a support layer on the backing, and a silicone layer of the support layer. The various layers of the multilayer release surface are deposited substantially simultaneously, as for example by a dual die or using curtain coating techniques.

Abstract: In the case where multiple slide hopper is used for simultaneous multilayer bead coating of photosensitive material, streak defect is occasionally cause, particularly in the case of coating photothermographic material, especially when the outermost layer includes materials capable of increasing optical density such as toner it more frequently happens. It is found that streak defect is restrained when meniscus curvature of upper side bead becomes less than 7.2 mm−1. This condition can be kept by selecting a proper value of clearance between the web surface and the lip of the slide hopper, that is from 0.10 mm to 0.40 mm, and a proper value of pressure in a lower side of the bead, that is from −100 Pa to −700 Pa.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of creating a material for use as a material to be coated by curtain coating, comprising the step of: creating a surface texture of said material such that when said material is coated with a freely falling curtain formed of a composite layer of one or more coating compositions that impinges at a point of impingement against a continuously moving receiving surface of said material using roughness assisted wetting, the height of the composite layer at a distance &lgr; from the point of impingement, in which &lgr; is the average periodicity of the surface texture, is less than or equal to Rz. The invention also provides a method of identifying a material suitable for coating with Roughness Assisted coating.

Abstract: A method is taught for curtain coating a liquid composition onto a moving plastic web. The plastic web is partially wrapped around a cylindrical backing roller, the backing roller including a relief patterned area on the surface thereof, the relief patterned area including relieved features and non-relieved features, the relieved features being at least 40% of the relief patterned area, the relief patterned area being circumferential of the backing roller. Providing an electrostatic field at the coating point between the coating liquid and the backing roller, the electrostatic field resulting in an electrostatic force difference at a coating point on the backing roller, the relieved features being of a geometry and depth such that the electrostatic force difference at a coating point does not vary by more than a factor of 10 between the relieved features and non-relieved features.

Abstract: A method is taught for preparing a coating hopper prior to initiation of coating a liquid coating composition at a predetermined coating flow rate onto a moving substrate wherein the coating hopper includes at least one internal flow path therethrough. The internal flow path(s) of the coating hopper are drained. The liquid coating composition is introduced into internal flow path(s) at a purge flow rate which may be determined empirically. The internal flow path(s) are filled with the liquid coating composition and with the liquid coating composition then discharging from the internal flow path(s) onto a slide surface of the coating hopper, the liquid coating composition flowing down the slide surface and over a lip of the coating hopper at the purge rate to a drain. The flow of the liquid coating composition through the internal flow path(s) is maintained at the purge rate until air within the internal flow path(s) has been displaced from the coating hopper.

Abstract: A coating method characterized by coating, with a curtain flow coater, a liquid coating composition which comprises fluorine-containing polymer particles having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 100 &mgr;m and has a viscosity of from 0.1 to 500 mPa•s at coating. The curtain flow coater is used for coating of the coating composition comprising fluorine-containing polymer, though use of it has been difficult.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a movement device that moves an object to be coated; a slot die coater equipped with a position sensor mounted on at least one end of the slot die coater and which slot die coater controllably dispenses coating material onto the moving object; and at least one servor motor-controller system in electrical contact with the position sensor, wherein the position sensor senses the position of the slot die coater relative to the object and wherein the at least one servor motor-controller system adjusts the position of the slot die coater relative to the object if the position of the slot die coater relative to the moving substrate deviates from a set of predetermined coordinates.

Abstract: A method is taught for that allows for controlling and optimizing the level of adhesion between a multilayer composite applied to a support web. The method comprises the steps of selecting the support web with or without a subbing layer applied thereto; selecting an organic solvent that is substantially free of other constituents as a carrier layer; forming a multilayer composite including the carrier layer, the carrier layer being the lowermost layer thereof; applying the multilayer composite to the support web or the subbing layer; drying the multilayer composite on the support web, the carrier layer evaporating from the multilayer composite; testing the adhesive strength between the support web or subbing layer and the multilayer composite after drying; and repeating these steps until a desired level of adhesion is found.